Barton takes home his second Mid-Major Player of the Week for the season after two impressive performances – one on the road against Miami (5-3) and the other at home against Austin Peay (1-9). Memphis thumped Miami, 71-54, and was led by Barton’s 27 points (60.0 FG%). Barton showed his ability to contribute in several facets of the game by using his long arms, quick “hops” and overall athleticism to pull down 14 rebounds and collect 4 steals together with 2 blocks. Earlier in the week, Barton posted 22 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal and 1 block in Memphis’ decisive win over Austin Peay, 91-60. For the season, Barton is averaging 19.4 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.6 SPG and 1.3 BPG, while shooting 52.7 FG%, 33.3 3P% and 66.0 FT%. Through the first quarter of the season, Barton looks like a legitimate first round NBA Draft prospect.

Who’s Hot?

Darryl Partin, Boston University, SG, Senior, 6-6 190 lbs.

Unknown to most of the college basketball world, Partin has played very well early on this season, averaging 23.9 PPG and 4.4 RPG, and he has scored over 20 points in every game. In Boston U.’s two games this past week, Partin led the team in scoring and proved to be a mismatch for opponents. On the road against Saint Joseph’s (6-3), Partin finished with 24 points and 4 rebounds, and Boston U. won the game, 75-68. Against Boston College (2-7, also on the road), he scored 27 points and shot very well from the field and from 3-point land. Partin’s offensive ability has improved significantly from last season, mainly because of his assertiveness this year. Watch for Partin to continue to turn some heads as the season progresses and as Boston U. positions itself for an America East Conference title run.
Who’s Cold?

Towson (0-8)

Through eight games in 2011-12, Towson has lost by an average of 24.2 points per game. Granted, Towson has played some difficult opponents, including Kansas (6-2), Michigan (6-2), Belmont (6-2) and a decent La Salle team (6-3), but it has not shown the ability to score or pass the ball on offense too effectively. Currently, Towson ranks 343rd in team points per game (51.0), 344th in team assists per game (7.5), and 333rd in team field goal percentage (37.1%). Towson and UMBC will square off on Saturday in a matchup of two winless teams. Watch for sparks to fly.